Kobbie Mainoo now looks set to remain at Manchester United after receiving immediate trust from new manager Michael Carrick, easing doubts over his short-term future at the club.
Mainoo’s situation has attracted widespread attention across the footballing world, especially following his reduced role under former head coach Rúben Amorim. The lack of minutes sparked debate among fans, pundits, and club legends, with many questioning why one of United’s brightest academy products was being overlooked.
According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, the England midfielder had been weighing up his options in recent months due to limited playing time, but a permanent exit was never on the table. Romano revealed:
Kobbie Mainoo now expected to stay at Manchester United after instant trust by Michael Carrick. Mainoo was considering loan move to play on regular basis and develop, never a permanent exit from #MUFC. His contract situation will remain key topic in the next months.
Softfootball earlier reported that Mainoo had requested a loan move at the end of the summer window, hoping to secure regular game time and boost his chances of being in contention for England’s 2026 World Cup squad. At the time, the move was seen as a developmental step rather than a sign of long-term uncertainty at Old Trafford.
That narrative appears to have shifted quickly under Carrick. Mainoo was handed a start in Carrick’s first game in charge, and the youngster delivered in emphatic fashion during United’s 2-0 derby win over Manchester City. The team display drew rave reviews from supporters, who described it as United’s best derby performance in over a decade.
The Red Devils completely stifled Pep Guardiola’s side, limiting City to just one shot on target — a rare statistic and reportedly the worst attacking output for a Guardiola team since his arrival in England.
With confidence restored and responsibility handed to him early, Mainoo now looks firmly back in United’s plans. While his contract situation remains one to watch, Carrick’s early faith could prove decisive in keeping one of the club’s most promising talents at the heart of Manchester United’s rebuild.
